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The Vikings’ Search for a WR4 Sees Spotlight Shine on Sneaky Name

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2 months ago

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Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones (82) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

The Vikings’ search for a promising WR4 is ongoing.

At the top of the list of contenders is Tai Felton. The sophomore boasts elite speed and great length, meaning he offers obvious upside as a burner to take the top off the defense. Where he struggled in minicamp, though, was with securing the ball. Eliminating drops is hugely important for him.

Otherwise, there has been some optimism for what Myles Price can do since he was so impressive as a punt returner in 2025. Likewise, Dillon Bell is creating plenty of fans due to his ability to shake corners out of their cleats.

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Somebody who’s missing in the above consideration is Jeshaun Jones, who his entering his third season as a Viking.

The Vikings’ Search for a WR4 Brings Jeshaun Jones into Mix

At the risk of venturing into the obvious, the Vikings’ top trio of receivers consists of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings. Only some form of extenuating circumstances — injury, suspension, and so on — will dislodge these three from the top three spots. Jefferson, Addison, and Jennings, that’s the order to remember.

Boasting such an elite trio means not having too many targets left over for others. That’s especially true upon considering the presence of T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, and Aaron Jones to siphon off even more targets. Still, there’s no such thing as too much weaponry.

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Aug 17, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones (82) runs a reception back for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

When I asked him who stood out, Jefferson offered a mostly upbeat, vague answer. Essentially everybody has been working and improving, Jefferson said.

He did, however, identify a pair of names: Tai and J2. He’s referring to Tai Felton and Jeshaun Jones.

Ironically, the NFL teammates were college teammates, both putting in work in Maryland. Jones arrived in the Twin Cities as an undrafted add in 2024. Felton got to Minnesota as a 3rd-Round selection in 2025. Neither have fully established careers.

To my eye, Felton had a tough few days of minicamp. His speed is evident, capable of burning it down the field to create separation. It’s possible that he’s trying too hard, though. A couple occasions involved him dropping balls that were put onto him.

Jones therefore has an opportunity. Felton’s rookie season was modest on offense. If he has a poor training camp — far from a guarantee; ideally, he comes back and thrives — then Jones has a window to assert himself.

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Jones spent 2024 on the practice squad. In 2025, he occupied the same spot apart from a late-season bump to the active roster. Jones finished off with a pair of punt returns for 5 yards. Do note, though, that he has previously done damage in the preseason, creating optimism about some potential to put up production in more meaningful games.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones celebrates after a first-down catch against the Tennessee Titans during a preseason game.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones celebrates a first-down reception during first-half action against the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 22, 2025, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Jones continued making his case for a roster spot by contributing in the passing game as Minnesota evaluated depth options and young talent during the preseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.

Furthermore, Jones earned $235,000 in guaranteed money in his UDFA contract (OTC). That’s a beefy commitment, suggesting the Vikings were serious about bringing him to town. Maybe that upside that Minnesota saw in him turns into a larger job in 2026. After all, Justin Jefferson has noticed some improvement.

Jeshaun Jones, 26, comes in at 6’1″ and 190 pounds. Proving to be capable of catching a pass or two, blocking his tail off, and then helping on specials will be the keys to make the final roster.

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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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George Pickens reveals true feelings on Jerry Jones’ comments for Cowboys WR over contract extension talks

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14 minutes ago

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31 July 2026

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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens responded to Jerry Jones’ comments about his future with the franchise.

On Tuesday, Jones had high praise for Pickens. He also highlighted the possibility of him playing for the Cowboys for the rest of his NFL career. Pickens expressed his appreciation for those kind words on Thursday.

“Super excited,” Pickens said. “I’m always super happy when someone thinks highly of me, so shout out to Jerry.”

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The Cowboys acquired George Pickens via a trade with the Steelers in May 2025. In 17 games, he posted an impressive 1,429 yards on 93 receptions and nine touchdowns. There was a lot of chatter about a potential contract extension following his performance.

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However, in February, the Cowboys placed a franchise tag on him. Pickens signed the $27.3 million franchise tag in April. While speaking about the wide receiver, Jerry Jones said that he expects great things from Pickens in 2026.

“He’s a valued part of our aspirations and our potential success,” Jones said. “I hope that he comes out here and is the most prolific, successful receiver in the NFL this year. And how would you like to be a free agent and with his credentials and step out there and have a year like that? I wish all of that because if that happens, that (would be) good for us.

“This can be a very win-win thing that we’ve done here, us and George being on the team. Make no mistake about it, George could be a Cowboy for the rest of his career and that’d be a long time. Make no mistake about it. This (franchise tag) just fit for us and thank goodness it fit for him and we got it done.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Pickens with the No. 52 pick in 2022. In three seasons, he recorded 2,841 yards on 174 receptions and 21 TDs.

ALSO READ: “No deadline drama this time”: NFL fans react as George Pickens officially enters July 15 deadline as a franchised player without long-term deal

ALSO READ: George Pickens faces lofty expectations from former WR after officially going through franchise tag extension deadline

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Dak Prescott “excited” to play alongside George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb in the 2026 season

Dak Prescott has already built a rapport with CeeDee Lamb over the past few years. Last season, he also built chemistry with George Pickens, providing him with more help on offense.

On Thursday, Prescott was questioned about his strategy heading into Year 2 with Lamb and Pickens by his side.

“It’s exciting. They help me be comfortable,” Prescott said. “Those guys are ridiculous in their ability to get one, ability to win in one-on-one. Right now, it’s just about continuing to communicate about the zones and where they need to be in certain timings. … They’re just a complement to this whole offense.”

The Cowboys play the New York Giants on the road in their season-opener on Sept. 13.